Radio personality and Jesus Compassion Ministry (JCM) senior bishop Muthee Kiengei has ignited controversy after allegedly choosing political convenience and financial incentives over his pastoral calling.
Once widely portrayed as a devoted man of God, Bishop Kiengei has shocked many of his followers after appearing to align himself with President William Ruto’s political allies, a move critics say mirrors betrayal driven by personal gain rather than faith.
Observers have likened Kiengei’s political turnaround to Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus Christ, accusing the cleric of abandoning his congregation despite having a well-established church foundation. The criticism intensified after reports emerged that he had received financial inducements from operatives linked to the current administration.
In a Facebook post following the alleged engagement with Ruto’s allies, Kiengei wrote:
“I will not hate the president the people voted for while insulting him in 2022. We warned you, but now it is you warning us.”
His remarks have reignited a national debate on the role of religious leaders in active political participation, particularly at a time when churches are increasingly becoming platforms for political mobilisation.
Bishop Kiengei is well known for frequently hosting Mt. Kenya political leaders aligned with the government at his church, gatherings that often feature sizeable monetary donations. While addressing his followers, he acknowledged the massive following of his ministry but insisted on his political loyalty to ODM and senior party figure Dr. Oburu Odinga.
“I will do what leader Oburu Odinga says,” Kiengei stated, remarks widely interpreted as a signal of possible support for Ruto’s anticipated 2027 re-election bid, should ODM leadership back the move.
The unfolding events have triggered mixed reactions online. Critics accuse Kiengei of dangerously mixing religion and politics, arguing that churches should remain neutral moral institutions. Supporters, however, defend him, describing his stance as a pragmatic and realistic approach to modern political leadership and party loyalty.
As churches continue to attract political interest and financial influence, Bishop Kiengei’s case highlights the growing concern that Kenya’s pulpits are slowly becoming political arenas.
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